I notice  
when people treat me differently,  
the subtle shifts in their smiles,  
and a coldness beneath their words.  

I notice  
when they weave their lies,  
assuming I’m too gullible to see  
the threads of truth unravelling.  

I notice  
when I’m left out of the plan,  
a ghost in conversations,  
I become an option, not a choice.  

I notice  
the awkwardness in their glances,  
the way kindness wears a mask,  
hiding intentions behind pleasantries.  

I notice  
when I’m a pawn in their game,  
used for someone else’s gain,  
my worth measured by their needs.  

I notice
so don’t mistake my silence for naivety.  
I’m sharper than you think.  
I’m not blind; I notice everything.

©️Lizzie Bevis